Barbie Augustini and James Kane, a couple turned magnet fishing duo, share their thrilling underwater adventures. They discuss their unexpected romantic journey that began during the pandemic. The highlight? The discovery of a safe filled with cash that sent them on a rollercoaster of excitement and confusion with authorities. They also recount challenges with deteriorating money and their insightful trip to retrieve it, sparking dreams of homeownership and a simpler life. Their stories balance thrill and humor amidst the mysteries lurking beneath urban waters.
Barbie and James' magnet fishing transitioned from a fun family activity to an unexpected adventure uncovering hidden dangers and treasures in local waters.
Their extraordinary find of over $100,000 in a waterlogged safe raised ethical questions about legitimacy and the potential for new opportunities.
Deep dives
The Origins of a Unique Hobby
Barbie Augustini and James Kane developed a shared interest in magnet fishing during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding inspiration from YouTube videos showcasing people discovering hidden treasures in water. The couple, who had known each other since childhood, decided to try magnet fishing with their children, initially using a small magnet to fish in a local pond. Their first attempts yielded excitement over finding small items like bottle caps and toenail clippers, but as they upgraded to a larger magnet, their discoveries escalated dramatically. The magnet fishing expedition became a regular family activity, marking a journey filled with both mundane finds and unexpected experiences.
Unexpected Discoveries
Barbie and James' magnet fishing adventures took an interesting turn when they started unearthing unusual items, including firearms and personal belongings. One day, they discovered three guns while magnet fishing in Jamaica, which led to a tense encounter with law enforcement. They also encountered various bizarre items, such as a mason jar containing a tarantula, and evidence of strange activities, like a bag of pleasure items discovered near the water. Each outing revealed the hidden stories and discarded objects that accumulated in New York's waters, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of their hobby.
A Shocking Find: Cash in a Safe
The couple's magnet fishing journey culminated in an extraordinary find when they retrieved a safe from a lake, containing stacks of cash estimated to be worth over $100,000. Initially skeptical about the legitimacy of their discovery, they contacted the NYPD, who conducted an investigation without any conclusive leads about the safe's origins. While the money was severely damaged, authorities informed them that they could potentially keep it as the disintegrated bills did not count as currency under certain regulations. This surprising windfall ignited dreams of new possibilities for Barbie and James, despite the long waiting period ahead to potentially claim their fortune.